Chapel Hill, North Carolina, October 13, 2025
News Summary
Dwayne Dixon, a professor at the University of North Carolina, has been placed on administrative leave while the university investigates allegations of advocating for politically motivated violence. Concerns have arisen due to his ties with the Redneck Revolt gun club, an offshoot of the John Brown Gun Club, and following the distribution of controversial recruitment materials. Despite his previous controversies, a petition for his reinstatement has gathered support as the university commits to an impartial investigation.
Chapel Hill, North Carolina – Dwayne Dixon, a professor of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into allegations of advocating politically motivated violence. This decision comes amidst scrutiny over his membership in the Silver Valley chapter of Redneck Revolt, a gun club described as an offshoot of the John Brown Gun Club, known for its involvement in violent incidents.
Redneck Revolt has been characterized by the Counter Extremism Project as a “paramilitary” group and is associated with the John Brown Gun Club, which has a history of violent actions, including attacks on ICE facilities in 2019 and 2025. The connection to such groups has raised concerns among university officials and the public regarding Dixon’s activities and statements.
Recently, Dixon was implicated following the distribution of recruitment flyers from the John Brown Gun Club at Georgetown University, which featured aggressive language calling for action against “fascists.” The controversial nature of these flyers sparked public outcry and led to increased scrutiny of individuals associated with the gun club, including Dixon.
Dixon is no stranger to controversy. He was armed during a protest in Durham, North Carolina, in 2017, which was promoted as an anti-KKK rally, though members of the KKK did not attend. He faced misdemeanor charges related to his weapon at this public assembly, but those charges were ultimately dropped. In 2018, he was charged with simple assault during the unrest following the toppling of the Silent Sam statue at UNC, a case which also ended in dismissal.
In response to the latest allegations, the university placed Dixon on leave starting on September 29, 2025, with a commitment to conduct an impartial investigation into his conduct. The university stated that freedom of speech is respected, but they cannot overlook potential endorsements of violence. UNC received criticism for its decision to place Dixon on leave, with supporters arguing that the measure reflects political pressure from right-wing activists.
As the investigation unfolded, a petition advocating for Dixon’s reinstatement gained significant support, collecting over 900 signatures. A spokesperson from the university emphasized the institution’s dedication to maintaining free speech and political discourse while condemning any sympathy towards acts of violence.
Dixon’s previous remarks during a panel at Harvard University, where he discussed advocating for armed self-defense against violent right-wing groups, have added to the concern surrounding his actions and affiliations. However, following the investigation, Dixon was reinstated on October 3, 2025, as the university found “no basis” for the allegations against him.
This incident reflects a growing trend of scrutiny towards professors and university officials with politically charged views, especially in the wake of increased political violence in the United States.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Dwayne Dixon?
Dwayne Dixon is a professor of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, known for his political activism.
What led to Dwayne Dixon being placed on leave?
Dixon was placed on leave due to investigations into allegations of advocating politically motivated violence, particularly concerning his membership in the Silver Valley chapter of Redneck Revolt.
What is Redneck Revolt?
Redneck Revolt is a gun club characterized as a “paramilitary” group and described as an offshoot of the John Brown Gun Club, known for its involvement in violent incidents.
What previous incidents are linked to Dwayne Dixon?
Dixon faced misdemeanor charges for carrying a weapon at a public assembly during a 2017 anti-KKK protest, and was charged with simple assault during unrest when the Silent Sam statue was toppled in 2018; both charges were dropped or dismissed.
What was the outcome of the investigation?
Dwayne Dixon was reinstated on October 3, 2025, after the university found “no basis” for the allegations against him.
How has the public reacted to Dixon’s leave?
The decision to place Dixon on leave has faced criticism, with supporters arguing it was influenced by political pressure from right-wing activists. A petition for his reinstatement gained over 900 signatures.
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Additional Resources
- Fox News
- Wikipedia: Dwayne Dixon
- Inside Higher Ed
- Google Search: Dwayne Dixon
- Fox News
- Google Scholar: Dwayne Dixon
- Fox News
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Dwayne Dixon
- The College Fix
- Google News: Dwayne Dixon
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